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GroundUp reports that it has largely gone unreported that since 7 January there have been no commuter trains operating in the Eastern Cape, with neither Metrorail nor other trains running between Kariega, Gqeberha and East London.
The Passenger Rail Service of SA (Prasa) indicated that a “decision was taken to suspend services due to operational challenges on the rail network”. Mimi Katsio, Prasa spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, said this had “nothing to do with operational budget”. She added: “Trains are not running because of operational challenges … Once the operational challenges have been resolved, the service will resume. Theft and vandalism have been prevalent on the infrastructure and network. Trains are not operational in the whole province.” Thousands of commuters, school children, and shoppers are now using taxis and buses, while stations stand deserted. Public Servants Association (PSA) shop steward David King said Eastern Cape commuters had been dealt a big blow by Prasa’s failure. “It affects many public servants, more especially state employees,” he noted.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Thamsanqa Mbovane at GroundUp
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page